Hot off the Press!

Local candle maker finds herself in the limelight

A business located in downtown Lafayette is one of 30 Indiana companies included in a "Made in America" campaign started
earlier this year by ABC News.

Launched in March, the series focuses on U.S. manufacturing, jobs and what they mean to the nation's economy.

Earlier this month, the Hoosier Candle Co., a business launched in 2010 by Traci Bratton, was placed on an interactive map by ABC News, which provides information about the company, its website and a product picture.

"It's kind of fun to put Lafayette on the map," said Bratton, owner of the candle company that is located within her gift shop -- Walnut Street Traditions.

Bratton makes the soy-based candles in the basement of her home and credits a transplanted Hoosier with making the television network aware of her product.

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Other Indiana businesses listed by ABC News include Charles Walter Pianos in Elkhart, WoodPlay Playsets in Evansville and Old Hickory Furniture Co. in Shelbyville.

"The World News interactive map is filled up with submissions from companies that make their goods in the United States and with American-sourced materials," ABC News said.

"We learned during calls to various business owners, though, that it's almost impossible to create textiles from start to finish with 100 percent U.S.-made materials."

Bratton has big plans for her 1-year-old company which features more than 90 scent choices and has products available online at www.hoosiercandlecompany.com or in the store at 1004 Main St.

"I'm hoping to start selling wholesale soon," she said. "I've started making room sprays and I'll do seasonal scents for Fall and Christmas."

And she hopes to soon meet face-to-face with Woodward, whose e-mail to ABC News started "Made in America" business adventure.

email to ABC News from former West Lafayette resident Jennifer Woodward prompted the network to call Bratton to make sure she qualified for the program, which periodically features companies from across the country.

"I don't know if they'll see my email or not, but I am so impressed by your company and work ethic and devotion to family and country that I felt more people should be aware of a very proudly made American product," Woodward said in a message sent to Bratton.

Within an hour after the television network got Woodward's email, Bratton's phone was ringing.

"The ABC representative told me that best case scenario was that when he pitched the story they'd like it so much that (Diane Sawyer) would come here to do the story," Bratton said. "Worst case scenario, I would be added to the 'Made in America' map and my complete company information ... would be on the map."

"It was a random act of kindness from a stranger I didn't know," Bratton said. "It's mostly been through Facebook."